Saturday, April 27, 2013

Shakespeare's Poetry for National Poetry Month


Shakespeare's baptism day is April 26 — which we celebrate because we have no idea on what day he actually was born, so let's enjoy his Sonnet 98.


From you have I been absent in the spring... (Sonnet 98)


From you have I been absent in the spring,
When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim,
Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,
That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him,
Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell
Of different flowers in odor and in hue,
Could make me any summer's story tell,
Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew.
Nor did I wonder at the lily's white,
Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;
They were but sweet, but figures of delight,
Drawn after you, you pattern of all those.
Yet seemed it winter still, and, you away,
As with your shadow I with these did play.

No comments: